Let's Talk Lipids: How Ceramides, Cholesterol, and Fatty Acids Protect Your Skin

When looking for products to improve your skin moisture barrier, watch out for three ingredients: ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. These lipids “make up the main components of the lipid layer of the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com expert Dr. Dandy Engelman. Brief introduction: “This layer serves as a protective barrier for your skin against bacteria, pollution, and other harmful environmental influences,” she says. "Basically, it's your first line of defense." Adding ceramides to products — and, of course, using them — can help improve skin's barrier function, Engelman says. Add fatty acids and cholesterol to the mix and you've just created an anti-aging force to be reckoned with. Our favorite lipid-rich smoothie (also known as the good stuff) is made by SkinCeuticals. So, without further ado, meet SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2.

SKINCEUTICALS TRIPLE LIPID RECOVERY 2:4:2 

As we age, the skin becomes more susceptible to loss of lipids, read: ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids, which are natural compounds present on the surface of the skin. Lipid loss can compromise the skin's water barrier and lead to visible signs of premature aging such as roughness, tightness and dullness. Adding these cellular lipids back to the surface can help restore the declining barrier. Plus, they can help skin appear more radiant and even-toned. (Remember how we told you to look for these lipids on your product labels? Now you know why.) That's where SkinCeuticals 2:4:2 Triple Lipid Recovery comes in. - treatment of aging. Containing 2 percent pure ceramides, 4 percent cholesterol and 2 percent fatty acids, Air Cream helps restore the skin's barrier and supports natural self-healing while nourishing the skin and helping to improve its smoothness, sagging and texture. Not convinced yet? We thought so! To use, place a small amount of formula between fingertips. Heat and melt the cream in circular motions. Then gently apply it to your face, neck and chest twice a day.

To take your anti-aging regimen one step further, pair SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 with your favorite CE Ferulic Cult Vitamin C Serum in the morning—read our love story with this product, here- as well as the signature Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 sunscreen, which provides broad-spectrum UV protection, improves natural skin tone and enhances radiance. 

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Recovery 2:4:2, $ 125